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Global Connections
Spring 2025 Projects
MU ITC Interns Supporting the Decision–Making Needs of Area Businesses
Sixteen MU and Trulaske College of Business students interning with the International Trade Center shared findings from the semester-long global market research projects with four U.S. companies each seeking to expand their sales internationally. The students have completed extensive research to identify and evaluate international markets with sales potential for each of the participating companies. Companies working with the Trade Center this Fall included: Link Electronics (Branson, MO), M.A. Associates (Overland Park, KS), Messner Bee Farm (Raytown, MO) and Salvajor(Kansas City, MO).
In comments shared with the students following the final presentation Matt Hohl, V.P. of Business Development at Salvajor Company shared – “I do want to say thank you very much. Extremely, extremely informative. Not only was it really impressive but it was very professionally done. Your sharing of key details during the final presentation was fantastic and provides great focus for us moving forward.”
Ted Grothe, Director of Sales at M.A. Associates also shared – “Very nice job, thank you. We noted this after Phase I, but clearly the amount of time and effort put into this is outstanding. Being here in person, I am impressed by the format of the presentation. Clearly there was a lot of preparation by each of the team members - nice job on talking knowledgeable on the content being shared, making eye contact, not reading off the slides. We go to trade shows, and we see people twice your age that don’t exhibit those skills. So, kudos on paying attention to the small details. That’s really big.”
Full Story: Fall 2025 – ITC Final Project Presentations
What in the World? ITC Company Spotlight – MSSC LLC
Founded in 2000, MSSC builds on a legacy of innovation that began in 1920. As a manufacturer and global distributor of marking, stenciling, sealing and coding systems, the company offers a full range of industrial printing, markets, label applicators, and dispensers that now serves customers in over 60 countries. Headquartered in Collinsville, IL and supported by manufacturing facilities in Owensville, MO this small but resilient U.S.-Based business is a key global player in the industrial printing and packaging industry.
In the Spring 2023, with an eye towards guiding strategic growth, and a strong believe in building partnerships that leverage needed skills and expertise, Mike Strope, President of MSSC connected with the International Trade Center (ITC) at the University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske Sr. College of Business to support the identification and evaluation of industry sectors and countries where opportunity exists to expand sales of their marking, stenciling, sealing, and coding products. What followed was an extensive analysis of product-specific trade flow data, review of key economic, industry and business environment indicator data and evaluation of global and country-level industry data to support the identification of favorable markets.
We recently reconnected in Mike at MSSC to secure an update on actions taken and progress made by MSSC following working with the ITC.
Full Story: Mizzou's ITC helps Midwest company 'make its mark' globally
Fall 2025 Trulaske ITC Graduate Spotlight – Mary Daniels
Mary Daniels interned with the International Trade Center during the spring 2025 semester and graduated in December 2025 with her BSBA in Business with an emphasis in Marketing. She also earned certificates in Global Business, Digital Marketing and Sales.
We wish Mary all the very best post-graduation. She has just accepted a full-time position with Gallagher, a leading global insurance brokerage, risk management, and consulting firm founded in 1927. This opportunity marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Mary and provides her with the opportunity to leverage knowledge, skills and talents developed within the Trulaske College of Business and apply them At Gallagher.
Full Story: Trulaske graduate leverages ITC experience in new career path
Where in the World? Trulaske ITC Alumni Spotlight – Colleen Merideth
Colleen Merideth’s interest in all things international has been lifelong, and when she chose to focus her studies at the University of Missouri in International Studies with a minor in business, it provided the solid foundation she was seeking. Colleen’s International Studies degree required that she complete a semester studying abroad, and as such she spent the Spring semester or 2015 at Florence University of the Arts. With her appetite of travel ignited and seeking a final opportunity to both study and complete an internship with an international focus before graduating, Colleen jumped at the opportunity to intern with the International Trade Center and the University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske Sr. College of Businesses Study Abroad Program in Shanghai China. With that internship, Colleen had the opportunity to work with a Missouri company interested in expanding sales into the Chinese market, to assist them in evaluating market entry and industry-specific opportunities.
Illustrating that one’s career pathway isn’t always a straight line leading directly to the industry sector or dream job with an international focus desired, Colleen spent the first several years of her career working in the wealth management and financial planning arena, holding positions with Merrill Lynch and Stifel. These positions afforded her with opportunities to learn, grow, develop and make connections that eventually positioned her to be the right person to fill the Manager of International Business development role she currently holds at Build-A-Bear.
Full Story: Trulaske education helps alum build a career at Build-A-Bear
Global Development
Business-Student Connections: I-Week Presentations – Build-A-Bear & AOB
I-Week is a week-long series of internationally focused events designed to expose students to global business concepts, careers, and cultural perspectives. Joining us for the Fall 2025 I-Week were company representatives from American Outdoor Brands and Build-A-Bear. Behind the lens of different products and industries, both company’s shared their perspectives about international trade, global markets and cross-cultural communication in today’s business environment.
Full Story: I-Week introduces Trulaske students to the world of international business
Program Spotlight – 2025 CGBP Training
Building Competencies: Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP)
Seeking to enhance the import and export skills of employees and better position Missouri and U.S. companies to be successful in today’s global market, the International Trade Center hosts a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) Training session annually targeted at company representatives, trade community members and students seeking to secure the CGBP credential. The 2025 training held August 5-7, 2025 attracted 21 trade practitioners and 7 students from across 10 states.
Make plans to join us virtually for next CGBP Exam Prep Training at the University of Missouri – August 4-6, 2026.
Full Story: ITC training prepares Missouri businesses to compete in international markets
Program Spotlight – 2025 Mid-America Trade Summit
Connecting Exporters: 2025 Mid-America Trade Summit
Each fall, the International Trade Center, along with trade assistance partners from across the region, hosts the Mid-America Trade Summit. The summit provides a unique opportunity to bring together top exporters, global trade leaders and trade assistance providers from across Mid-America. The 2025 Trade Summit held on October 8, 2025 attracted 110 attendees.
Make plans to join us for 2026 Mid-America Trade Summit – October 7, 2026.
Full Story: Annual conference brings together top exporters, global trade leaders
Global Insights
Market Spotlight – Brazil
Brazil remains a compelling market for U.S. exports, supported by its large, diversified economy and strong demand for high-quality international products. In 2023, it ranked as the 9th largest destination for U.S. goods and services with exports totaling approximately USD 69.6 billion. Key opportunities exist in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, oil & gas, power infrastructure, healthcare and security technologies. Sectors where U.S. firms are well regarded for innovation and reliability. Brazil’s size and regional diversity require careful planning for distribution logistics, and market segmentation. Exporters must also navigate complex regulations, customs processes, and varying state-level requirements. Brazil is ranked 30th out of 87 countries in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Countries” rankings, highlighting both its emerging strengths and the ongoing challenges which continue to shape the business landscape. Success often depends on strong local partnerships with many U.S. companies relying on agents or distributors to enter the market effectively. Despite these challenges, Brail’s continued investment in infrastructure and technology makes it a promising long-term market. With a thoughtful strategy and trusted on-the-ground support, U.S. exporters can unlock meaningful opportunities in Brazil’s dynamic commercial landscape.
Trade Resource Spotlight – ITA’s Global Supply Chain Resource Hub
The ITA’s Global Supply Chain Resource Hub is a powerful toolkit designed to help both U.S. and foreign businesses source American-made materials, parts and components boosting supply chain resilience. By accessing government programs, supplier directories, and vetted manufacturing networks, exporters can more easily identify reliable U.S. suppliers ensuring quality and “Made in USA” credibility. The hub also supports trade professionals by offering resources such as supplier scouting, matchmaking services through the U.S. Commercial Service, and vetted sourcing tools making it simpler for companies to build or strengthen export ready supply chains. For firms looking to compete globally, the Supply Chain Resource Hub provides the foundation to access U.S. manufacturing capabilities, streamline sourcing, and create trade compliant supply chains. Leveraging this resource can improve export readiness and global supply chain networks.
Trade Indicator Spotlight – UN Sustainable Development Goals and country-level performance indicators
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index offers a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of how countries are performing across 17 globally recognized sustainability goals covering everything from economic growth and infrastructure to health, education, and environmental protections. By reviewing a country’s SDG profile before entering its market, U.S. exporters can gain early insight into social stability, regulatory quality, infrastructure readiness, and long-term growth potential, factors that impact operational risk and demand for goods and services. The SDG dashboard highlights trends over time enabling companies to spot emerging opportunities and monitor whether a country is improving or struggling relative to sustainable development benchmarks. Leveraging SDG data supports more informed decision-making, helps anticipate compliance challenges, and aligns business strategies with global sustainability standards. For exporters aiming at responsible growth and global impact, integrating SDG analysis into market screening and trade planning offers a powerful tool to identify resilient markets around the world.